"I was happy with our guys, believe it or not," said Sharks coach Todd McLellan, whose team tied a season high with 43 shots on goal. "We lost the game and that's the real disappointing thing. But for the most part I thought we played a real solid game. They scored a couple goals at fortunate times for them."

Moore was called up before the game from Worcester of the American Hockey League. He scored his first NHL goal on a shot that trickled through the pads of Budaj in the second period, giving San Jose a 3-1 lead.

The Sharks had ample opportunities in the first period, but couldn't capitalize on four power plays, including a double-minor on Brandon Yip after his stick caught McGinn in the nose. McGinn spent a few minutes on the bench with an ice pack pressed against his face to staunch the bleeding before returning.

Near the end of the opening period, the Avalanche tied the game when Shattenkirk grabbed a rebound on a power play and shot it over the shoulder of Niittymaki.

Craig Anderson returned to practice but won't rush back from a balky right knee, especially with the way Budaj has been playing.

Budaj is 6-3-1 since Anderson's knee ailment. This also was Budaj's 10th straight start, his longest string in two years.

Before the morning skate Wednesday, Anderson said there was no timetable for his return.

Notes: Swedish referee Marcus Vinnerborg worked his second straight game Wednesday. He became the first European to work an NHL game Tuesday night in Dallas. The NHL hired Vinnerborg over the summer to referee primarily in the AHL. ... Avalanche D Kyle Quincey (head) missed his fifth straight game. ... Sacco coached his 100th game Wednesday. ... Sharks D Douglas Murray missed a second straight contest with a lower-body injury after blocking a shot over the weekend against Calgary. ... Avs D John-Michael Liles had two assists. ... Sharks F Ryane Clowe registered two assists.